Nova Ebrahimi

I am a PhD candidate in the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. My research investigates the design of immersive virtual learning environments, particularly how spatial and social factors influence user engagement in educational contexts. My research systematically identifies design patterns from expert practitioners and translates them into frameworks that guide the development of effective virtual learning spaces. Currently developing computational methods and AI-assisted tools that analyze virtual world interfaces and provide design recommendations for educators and designers. I bridge UX research methodologies with architectural spatial design principles to create actionable guidance for building immersive educational systems. My work transforms complex virtual environment research into practical solutions that enhance learning experiences and support strategic implementation across educational institutions and industry training programs.

News

Nov 2, 2025	I am attending the IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, where I will present a paper on effective teaching strategies in virtual worlds for engineering and computing education. This research is part of my ongoing work on design patterns aimed at enhancing learning experiences in virtual worlds. I look forward to engaging with educational innovation research and reconnecting with scholars from last year’s conference. I am attending the IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, where I will present a paper on effective teaching strategies in virtual worlds for engineering and computing education. This research is part of my ongoing work on design patterns aimed at enhancing learning experiences in virtual worlds. I look forward to engaging with educational innovation research and reconnecting with scholars from last year’s conference.
Oct 5, 2025	I am attending Democon 2025 in Boca Raton, Florida, where I will present three research papers examining qualitative comparative studies of educational practices in virtual worlds and video conferencing platforms. I am honored to be one of only two students selected to receive travel funding for this conference based on my research contributions and academic CV. I look forward to sharing my findings with the educational technology community and engaging with fellow researchers who are advancing the future of digital learning. I am attending Democon 2025 in Boca Raton, Florida, where I will present three research papers examining qualitative comparative studies of educational practices in virtual worlds and video conferencing platforms. I am honored to be one of only two students selected to receive travel funding for this conference based on my research contributions and academic CV. I look forward to sharing my findings with the educational technology community and engaging with fellow researchers who are advancing the future of digital learning.
Jul 1, 2025	Our paper has been published in the Virtual Worlds Journal. I am honored that my work introducing the Socio-Spatial Embodiment Model for conceptualizing learning in virtual worlds is featured on the front page of the journal. Our paper has been published in the Virtual Worlds Journal. I am honored that my work introducing the Socio-Spatial Embodiment Model for conceptualizing learning in virtual worlds is featured on the front page of the journal.